America's Gerontocracy: Why Younger Voters Are Being Left Behind

Is the US now more a 'gerontocracy' than a democracy? The president and many key powerbrokers are in their 70s and 80s. Although half of the population is 40 or younger, only a fifth of Washington's lawmakers are under 40. Legal scholar and author Samuel Moyn tells DW's Hannah Hummel that the US is now a government being run by and for the elderly, at the expense of younger citizens. Moyn argues that this unfair system is a danger to democracy itself. The dominance of older politicians means that issues important to younger generations, such as climate change, student debt, and affordable housing, often receive less attention. The November midterm elections are expected to see record numbers of young voters, who may demand a shift in representation. The interview explores the structural factors that perpetuate gerontocracy, including incumbency advantage, campaign finance, and voter turnout patterns. Moyn calls for reforms to ensure that the government better reflects the age distribution of the population. The discussion raises important questions about the future of American democracy and the need for generational change in politics.